May 8, 2011

Ten Manchester Street Hotel, Marylebone, London – England

By jenn

Ten Manchester Street Hotel Brownstone

 Something about Boutique Hotels I truly appreciate.  The big chain hotels are always nice, but this hotel speaks to intimacy.  This hotel maintains 45 elegantly appointed bedrooms and I had the opportunity to stay in one of them.  The hotel staff were very courteous and always willing to help.  I stayed here after a week trip to India and decided to stopover in London for a few days.  This hotel was nicely situated in a posh area known as Marlyebone.  Oxford Street shopping was literally 2-3 blocks down the road.  What I truly appreciate were the short blocks to dining/shopping, unfortunately my flight got canceled after thinking I would be in London for only 2-3 days.  I had to then extend my stay for another 2 days, but I had no trouble finding things to do and meandering around the wonderful city. 

Outside Hotel

 
During the month of December, temperatures were in the 10′s/20′s, weather conditions in which an LA native is definitely not used to.  However, this hotel had heated bathroom floors and heated towel posts.  It was nice to take a hot shower and still feel warm, with a heated towel.  The room was very chic/shabby.  Bed was unbelievably comfortable and might I add, equivalent to our Starwood Hotels – “heavenly bed.”   The amenities offered in the bathroom were sufficient for me to not have to go out and buy more from the local drug store. 
 
Since my flight was canceled and I had to extend my stay here, I had a lot of room time.  I felt safe and the walls/windows were thick enough to not hear any noise from other rooms or outside.  The room was very cozy and might I add very clean.  I couldn’t find a spot of dust anywhere.  I would definitely rate this hotel 10/10 stars.
 
 
 
 
If I were to travel back to London, I would definitely like to stay here again.  This hotel was definitely a Jenn style!
  • Hotel Ambience: Chic/Contemporary
  • Hotel Staff: welcoming/courteous and helpful
  • Hotel Amenities:  Impeccable (check it out for yourself)
  • Cleanliness of Hotel:  very clean.
  • Overall Experience:  A must stay.  No complaints and thoroughly enjoyed my time in the town and its surroundings. Nicely situated w/ plenty of shops and eateries. Easy to access the tube to check out the London Big Eye/Picadilly Circus, etc.

Leave a comment | posted in Europe, London, England

May 7, 2011

Westin St. Francis, San Francisco – California

By jenn
 

Front Entrance

 Visited San Francisco a few weekends ago and enjoyed the clear blue skies while it lasted, since it doesn’t happen often in this city.  I always enjoy my trips to San Francisco, especially shopping in Union Square.  I never go home empty-handed and never go home with a dissatisfied meal from one of their amazing restaurants. I truly love this city, but I just wasn’t cut out to stay and live there.  I do miss living in the Bay Area, but truly appreciate my visitation rights much more. 

This weekend I actually visited the “Rock,” also known as, Alcatraz Island.  I truly appreciated the history and stories shared by past wardens and convicts.  It surely was amazing weather because there were no clouds covering up the city view from the Island and both bridges were in sight.  Learning about the families that lived on the island left me wondering how parent’s felt about their family living on the island and not feeling endangered.  It amazed me, to realize how trustworthy we were in the past and realizing how that would never happen in this lifetime.  As far as I know….

Let me share about my stay at the Westin St. Francis!

First impression when I hear about “Westin Hotels,” it’s a Starwood Hotel and that means “heavenly” amenities.  What exactly are “heavenly” amenities?  It includes, the Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Shower.  The Heavenly Bed never fails to allow me to sleep in and sink my body into the fluffy linens.  The Heavenly Shower never fails to make me want to stay in the shower longer, sing a tune or two and scrub my body up & down.  In a nutshell, this would come to my mind when staying at a Starwood Hotel.

Although the Westin St. Francis is indeed a Starwood Hotel, I did not care much for the room or the ambience all that much.  If you enjoy vintage, marble flooring and marble columns, you would enjoy the Westin St. Francis.  Walking into the hotel, you could immediately pick up on the fact that this was a historical landmark or building of some sort.  The dark hallways and walkway to the elevators up to your room, will give you an eerie and dark feeling.  Once you arrive on your floor, the carpeting and old style wallpaper continues to give you an eerie impression.  In fact, it does not help that when you walk towards your room, a discreet smell of oldness or moldy air flow breathes into the hallways.  This was not a good sign for being a 4 star hotel. 

Guest Room

Hoping that as I open the door to my room, I would be impressed with updated furniture or chic carpeting; to my dismay, I was quite disappointed.  I did not care for the chandelier, which seemed to fit with the eerie theme of this hotel.  The Heavenly Bed was there, but the plain white walls with very minimalist artwork, was truly a disappointment.  The bathroom had striped wallpaper and marble flooring, which I did not care for.  All in all, the hotel was missing the spark and 21st century appeal.  I truly did not care for my stay here.  If it wasn’t for the Heavenly Bed & Shower, I would give this hotel 2 stars.  But since this is classified with Starwood, I suppose 3 stars would fit and 4 would just be pushing it. 

Delightfully, I was impressed with the presence of Michael Mina’s restaurant: Bourbon Steak.  Absolutely deeeelish!  Our meal started off with french fries that were cooked in duck fat, accompanied by 3 different sauces.  At first, duck fat strayed me away from trying the french fries, but I am willing to try anything once in my life.  Duck fat fries, it was!  I’m glad I tried it because I was utterly impressed and delighted by the taste.  I moved onto my bone-in rib eye steak, cooked at Medium Rare, accompanied by truffled Mac n’ Cheese.  Loved, loved, loved it….. Cooked to its perfection, I enjoyed every bite.  Even though I split the meal into two, I was completely satisfied and full.  The dessert menu arrived and I had no choice but to look the other way.  Our server was truly amazing and kind, he complimented us with chocolate truffles.  I had no choice but to pop one of them in and completely enjoyed every piece of it. Bourbon Steak restaurant was truly an amazing experience and highly recommend it to those who enjoy a good piece of meat. 

French Fries (Fried in Duck Fat)

 

Complimentary Chocolate Truffles

 

  • Hotel Ambience: Historical/Classic-Vintage
  • Hotel Staff: Friendly
  • Hotel Amenities: Heavenly Bed & Shower = excellent.  Furniture/Artwork = needs to be updated.
  • Cleanliness of Hotel: Mediocre
  • Overall Experience:  I prefer the Le Meridien and plan to continue staying there when visiting SF.  This hotel gave me an eerie feeling and hope the maintenance improves. Location is ideal because it is situated in the heart of  Union Square. 

Leave a comment | posted in California, San Francisco

April 10, 2011

Ritz Carlton, Phoenix – Arizona

By jenn

My first experience staying at a Ritz Carlton was during a business trip in Phoenix, Arizona. I’m  not sure if it was the best choice to scope out The Ritz Carlton, known for being a five-star hotel and lavish amenities, in the city of Phoenix.  I have to admit, I didn’t care for it much.  Not looking at photos beforehand, I had a HIGH expectation of Ritz Carlton and when I arrived to this hotel, it was located next to business buildings.  As I walked in, I noticed marble stone tiles, gold trimmed doors and employees greeting you everywhere. 

I arrived early in the morning, picked up my key from the front desk and entered the room.  I didn’t care much for the decor, the fancy in this hotel is an older style of fancy and to a younger crowd, it didn’t have much of an appeal. The bed was definitely comfortable and speaking from a “Heavenly Bed” whore, this bed was just as good.  I wasn’t much of a fan of their dark wood furniture and the marble decorated bathroom.  However, I was delighted to see the complimentary reading materials and kept the BAZAAR magazine for my plane ride home. 

Restaurants: Since I arrived early in the morning, I decided to eat breakfast at Bistro 24.  I didn’t care much for their breakfast and the prices were of course the obvious, $$$.  I’m not sure if the Lunch and Dinner options are better, but my dining experience was definitely not a WOW factor in my eyes.

Poolside:  The pool area was nicely kept. However, I’m not sure how to feel with office buildings surrounding the hotel and ability to catch a glimpse of anyone in their bathing suit.

  • Hotel Ambience: Classic.
  • Hotel Staff: Friendly.
  • Hotel Amenities: Average.
  • Cleanliness of Hotel: Average.
  • Overall Experience:  Tailored to upper class and older crowds.  Perhaps one day I’ll stay at another Ritz location and compare my first experience to a better experience in the near future.

Leave a comment | posted in Arizona, Phoenix

April 9, 2011

The Cosmopolitan Hotel, Las Vegas – Nevada

By jenn
Cosmopolitan Hotel

Hotel view from the Bamboo Pool

 

The Cosmopolitan Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada:  “Oh, how I love thee, let me count the ways”…. - Elizabeth Barrett Browning

First of all, I have to thank Ellen DeGeneres and her generosity during Christmas.  I was one of her lucky audience members during the 5th Day of her 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways.  One of the gifts offered that day, included: 2 Nights Hotel Stay, 2 Complimentary Spa Massages, $200 to D.O.C.G., $200 to China Poblano and $100 to Comme Ca.  To top things off, this hotel was opened less than six months ago, it was opened in mid December 2010.  Luckily for those I love, an extended invite to join me at this crystalized hotel was exclusively sent. 

We arrived at this fabulous hotel on Friday at 6PM.  Welcomed by their Valet and Bell Desk staff, we handed our baggage and car keys away, as we entered into this extravagantly decorated hotel.  Nothing but chic and contemporary art, with a hint of vintage furniture to antique the elegance of their lobby.  Front desk staff provided nothing but exceptional service and were truly there to help you.  The room we stayed in was their Terrace One Bedroom – Premium View.  The room felt contemporary and sexy with a hot tub present in the main bathroom.  Exploring the room was like an adventure, looking into every nook and cranny, two huge closets and a hidden entry bathroom.  To top off the already phenomenal room, we were struck by the gorgeous panoramic view of the Las Vegas Strip.  Lastly, the Bellagio Water Show to mesmerize our experience.  

 

Hotel Lobby Decor

 

Let me speak about the restaurants we visited: China Poblano – a twist between Chinese Dim Sum and Mexican tacos.  The carnitas tacos were absolutely delicious, guacamole and chips to add-on.  We probably could do without ordering their dim sum, it’s not comparable to what I get here in Los Angeles.  Overall, the atmosphere was casual dining and prices were not too shabby ($).  The next night we ate at D.O.C.G., an italian restaurant with an intimate feel.  I appreciate a good italian meal and I would have to rate this restaurant as above average.  One of the sharable plates we asked for was the flatbread with mozzarella cheese and pancetta, this was delicioso!  Atmosphere was somewhat casual/dressy dining. Prices at this restaurant were also not too shabby ($$).

Pool:  The Cosmpolitan Hotel has 3 pool areas and the one I visited was on the fourth floor, The Bamboo Pool.  Nicely lined with cabanas and chairs to tan your body on.  The waitresses weren’t very friendly and they didn’t come around that often.  Besides having a nice body, if your attitude is bad, you’re pretty much useless.

Living Room Lounge Area

Spa Amenities: I truly appreciate a good back rub, cucumber flavored water, a hot jacuzzi to sit in and all in one place.  I’ve been to Glen Ivy, Burke Williams, Detox and small-scale spa spots.  The SAHRA SPA & HAMMAM has by far exceeded any that I’ve been to.  Atmosphere is serene, wood finishings to calm the mood and soft cotton like robes to throw on.  The service I got was the Hot Mineral Stone massage and my masseuse knew exactly which spots to focus on.  Everyone goes to get spa services when their back is tense, under the impression that their back would be fixed after a nice soothing massage.  For me, I have walked into spas and came out with my back feeling bruised.  This time around, I came out of my massage feeling utmost relaxed and body feeling limber. 

Main Bathroom

Negative Points: I checked out of the hotel at approximately 12PM on a Sunday.  I was at the front desk taking care of misc. charges and took me about 30 minutes to get everything straightened out.  As valet pulled up my car, I started loading my bags, along with my friends.  I then realized that I had left my white garment bag, with 3 black BCBG dresses,which were laying on the white linen bed.  I notified Valet that I needed to go back into my room, they then notified front desk that I was coming back upstairs to pick up an activated key.  I then picked up the key from the Front Desk and went up the elevators into my room, only to find out that my garment bag was tossed to the floor and dresses were missing.  I then notified security and they tried their best efforts to question the floor maids on who entered the room or possibly sent the dresses to “lost & found.”  The answer seemed obvious, if my dresses were not in the garment bag, why would my dresses be at “lost & found?” I had to write a claim for Cosmopolitan’s Risk team and indicate what had happened exactly.  I was then contacted by their insurance team to discuss the next events  and I was informed that they would look into the room key card scanner.  Sure enough, results showed that as I left the room at 12PM, the housekeeper was the next one in.  Case Solved!  I never heard back from the hotel, but I certainly hope they have taken the appropriate actions.  Insurance company reimbursed me for the value of the dresses lost.

  • Hotel Ambience: Sexy, Chic and Contemporary.
  • Hotel Staff: Overall, friendly.
  • Hotel Amenities: Excellent.
  • Cleanliness of Hotel: Couldn’t find a spot in the room.
  • Overall Experience:  Except for the incident of my lost dresses, I would definitely stay at the hotel again and leave valuables at home.

2 comments | posted in Las Vegas, Nevada

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 259 other followers

%d bloggers like this: